Role overview

Lean, the leading financial infrastructure provider in the Middle East, is seeking a Strategic Finance Intern to join the Financial Planning and Analysis team in Riyadh. You will contribute to real forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis that informs leadership decisions across a multi-product fintech platform processing billions of dollars annually and serving over 350 clients across the region.

Key responsibilities

Maintain monthly rolling revenue forecasts by pulling actuals, validating assumptions, and identifying variances from projections.
Build scenario analyses from first principles (such as new market entry or product expansion) and present findings to the team.
Convert forecast outputs into clear, one-page summaries for non-finance stakeholders to enable decision-making.
Collect and consolidate budget inputs from business units during the annual budgeting cycle and ensure completeness.
Prepare monthly variance analysis comparing actual results to budget, with written explanations of the three largest drivers.
Identify and analyze one cost category to uncover at least one quantified cost-saving opportunity.
Own the commercial deals tracker by maintaining accuracy, reconciling with the sales team, and flagging deals that impact forecast accuracy.
Support unit economics or profitability analysis for assigned product lines or client segments.
Research new markets under evaluation by Lean, analyzing pricing, competitive landscape, and regulatory environment, then deliver a recommendation.

Requirements

Final-year student or graduate within the past 12 months, with a degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, or another quantitative discipline.
Advanced proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets, including the ability to build driver-based financial models from a blank sheet.
Demonstrated track record of building analytical work independently, such as a financial model, investment pitch, case competition entry, or research project.
Strong written communication skills with the ability to explain financial metrics and movements clearly to non-financial audiences.
Self-directed approach to completing tasks and closing follow-ups without external prompting.
Genuine interest in payments, open banking, or fintech.
Advantageous: prior internship experience in FP&A, corporate finance, banking, consulting, or a startup environment; proficiency in SQL or Python; progress toward CFA or ACCA certification.

What makes this role worth considering

Lean is at the forefront of financial innovation in MENA, having processed billions in transactions since 2019 and earned backing from top-tier investors General Catalyst and Sequoia. You will work on meaningful projects that directly influence company strategy rather than isolated exercises, while joining a team committed to building lasting financial infrastructure across the region. The company offers competitive compensation, equity stakes for all team members, private healthcare, and flexible working arrangements.